Yoga Classes

Other Christians think of yoga as an Eastern religion, alien to our traditions, beliefs or vocabulary. In fact, yoga is a beautiful form of movement and contemplation, quite compatible with Christian prayer practices. The ancient work "Yoga" means "to unite or to yoke". In a Christian setting, yoga offers an opportunity to connect with God in a peaceful, quiet way.

St. Paul's offers yoga gatherings weekly. Each session is open to everyone, first-timers as well as experienced yoga practitioners. Session participants are led by two parishioners, Jamie White and Judy Stephen, who share their knowledge and love of yoga as a gift to the parish.

At each yoga hour we move into a series of yoga postures or poses, breathe deeply, and stay in each posture as long as possible without pain. Advancing into deeper forms of the poses is conducted at the participant's own pace and discernment.

To get the most benefit and safe enjoyment from yoga, follow these basic guidelines:

IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING YOGA: heart trouble

PLEASE INFORM YOUR YOGA SESSION LEADER OF ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS OR INJURIES BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION! There may be special instructions offered for your poses or recommendations for you to avoid certain poses.

Plan to enter the yoga class on an empty stomach. A good rule is to avoid eating two hours prior to the session. Empty your bladder first.

Wear comfortable clothes that let you stretch without binding. Bring socks to stay warm during resting, but remove socks and shoes for the active poses. A "sticky" mat will keep you from sliding and a blanket can help you learn to sit on the floor more comfortably. Suzi Freeman, the Parish Administrator, sells yoga mats at cost during regular office hours.

Remember that yoga is non-competitive. Work at your own pace without pushing or straining. Be gentle with yourself. If a post looks to difficult, just rest and watch until a later session when your body be more ready to move in that way.

Always start a relaxation posture. If you come into class after we have begun the moving poses, rest on the floor before starting to move with us. Resting and releasing of muscle tension is as important as the more "active" yoga poses.

Breathe through your nose as long as you are in a pose. Never hold your breath in yoga. Let your breathing and its rhythm help you relax and deepen into the pose to the extent your body is ready.

Stay in the pose only as long as you are comfortably challenged and as long as it keeps your attention. If you feel shaky, your muscles begin to wobble, or you feel pain, come out of the pose and rest.

Yoga promotes balance. However, each of us brings a different ability to balance to each session. When balance poses a re introduced, check your state of balance and move to a wall space for support if you feel wobbly or weak.

You may wish to use the poses as an exercise in prayerful meditation. Prayers of intercession or thanksgiving may help you become completely involved in the poses.

Yoga will nourish your body, mind and spirit. It will lead to better health and energy. Yoga will teach you to breathe properly, learn to relax completely, and improve your posture, circulation, digestion, strength, flexibility and mental clarity. But, most of all, gentle, restorative yoga offers you a chance to be quiet, breathe deeply, stretch your muscles, and use your body to express prayer.

Yoga accesses the mysterious interrelationship between the body and the spirit in the process of healing. During our quiet sessions, you can imagine God's healing power entering the part of your body or spirit that is tired, tense, sore, injured, gently bathing that part of your with breath and energy and healing.

For times and locations of the Yoga Gatherings, please call the church at 442-7373 or check our church calendar.

Sessions are year-round. We observe Fayetteville Public School holidays and inclement weather days. Taped sessions are available when the leaders are out of town.

There is no charge for yoga sessions. These gatherings are a gift to the community from St. Paul's Episcopal Church.